Nexstar CEO Remains Silent on Tegna Takeover Controversy

Sook avoids questions about layoffs and legal battle over Tegna acquisition.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 5:04am

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A photorealistic studio still-life photograph of a single wooden gavel resting on a polished surface, casting a dramatic shadow to represent the unresolved legal battle over Nexstar's proposed acquisition of Tegna.The legal battle over Nexstar's proposed acquisition of Tegna remains unresolved, with the CEO avoiding questions about the company's transparency and accountability.Today in Sacramento

Nexstar CEO Perry Sook was in a Sacramento courtroom this week, seeking to have a temporary restraining order lifted that is preventing the company from taking full control of the Tegna television stations. After the hearing, Sook was questioned by a reporter about the case and the layoffs the company has made, but he declined to comment, remaining silent as he left the courthouse.

Why it matters

Nexstar's proposed $5.4 billion acquisition of Tegna has faced legal challenges, with a temporary restraining order delaying the integration of the two companies. Sook's refusal to address questions about the layoffs and legal battle raises concerns about Nexstar's transparency and accountability to employees and the public as it seeks to consolidate its media power.

The details

The judge in the case has delayed making a ruling on whether to lift the temporary restraining order, as both sides presented their arguments. As Sook exited the courthouse, he was approached by a reporter who asked him about the case and what he would say to the people Nexstar has laid off. However, Sook did not respond and remained silent, avoiding any public comments on the controversial takeover.

  • The hearing in the Sacramento courtroom took place this week.
  • The judge has delayed making a decision on the temporary restraining order.

The players

Perry Sook

The CEO of Nexstar Media Group, which is seeking to acquire Tegna in a $5.4 billion deal.

Tegna

A television station operator that Nexstar is attempting to acquire, but the deal has faced legal challenges.

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What they’re saying

“As you can see, Uncle Perry was not in a talkative mood.”

— Matthew Keys, Reporter

What’s next

The judge is expected to rule on the temporary restraining order in the coming days, which will determine the next steps in Nexstar's acquisition of Tegna.

The takeaway

Nexstar's CEO's refusal to address questions about the Tegna takeover and its impact on employees raises concerns about the company's transparency and accountability as it seeks to consolidate its media power through this high-profile acquisition.